Lamar Jackson Shares Emotional Message for Fans Who DM’d Him During Negotiations
Lamar Jackson signed his blockbuster five-year, $260 million contract extension on Thursday. Afterwards, he addressed reporters for the first time since agreeing to the terms of the record-breaking deal a week ago.
Prior to signing his new extension, the 2019 NFL MVP and the Ravens had been at a stalemate regarding Jackson’s desire to receive a full guaranteed deal. In March, Baltimore imposed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson, which gave both parties until July 17 to secure a multi-year extension.
The two-time Pro Bowler had even requested a trade from the franchise on March 2. However, in officially signing the new extension—one that he achieved without a formal agent—on Thursday, the 26-year-old said he appreciated the constant direct messages and expressions of hope from fans during the negotiation process.
“It means a lot to me,” Jackson told reporters in the news conference. “I can’t even explain it how much I love the fanbase. … I was always getting messages from them, people crying, sad in my DMs, I’m like man they got me sad. I wanna tell them that we making progress but I don’t because I don’t want to spoil what’s going on. … I love the community so much. I tell everybody that’s like my third home because Florida, Louisville then here. But I’m here for five years so this my home home.”
.@Lj_era8 has seen your DMs and comments ???????????? pic.twitter.com/HaJMGfUOks
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 4, 2023
Jackson will be the face of the franchise through the ’27 season. His extension surpassed the record $255 million extension signed by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Even more, Jackson’s $185 million guaranteed is the third largest guarantee on a contract in NFL history.